Friday, March 3, 2023
Last night's Pops Concert was a showcase of the outstanding growth the music departments have made over the last few months. Under the direction of Band Director Nick McKinney and Choir Director Danae Coleman, the I-35 music students provided everyone in attendance with a fantastic performance.
The 5th grade band students began the evening by playing the upbeat songs “Marywood Overture” by Donald Josuweit, “Power Rock” arranged by Michael Sweeney, and the ever-lively “Let’s Go Band!” by Andrew Balent. Following the 5th grade band, the 6th grade band continued the evening by playing a Navajo tribe song called “Anasazi” by John Edmondson. The 6th graders then played “Mechanical Monsters”, by Randall Standridge, a song that featured many unique instruments and tools to create music to mimic the mechanical sounds found in large cities. The 7th and 8th grade band then showcased their skills by playing “Ye Banks and Braes O’ Bonnie Doon” arranged by Michael Sweeney and “Above and Beyond” by James Swearingen.
The evening then segued into the I-35 High School Band who played a beautiful collection of Disney film classics which were arranged by Johnnie Vinson. The Disney arrangement was followed by a haunting rendition of the song “Apparitions” by Brian Balmages. The high school band wrapped up the band portion of the evening with a collection of easily recognizable “Pirates of the Caribbean” songs arranged by Michael Sweeney which left the audience cheering.
Following a brief intermission, in which the band equipment was cleared away, the I-35 Choirs took to the stage. The 7th and 8th grade Choir performed lovely versions of “Walk Through Life” by Pinkzebra and “Memories” arranged by Andy Beck. The High School Choir finished the evening by singing “Once Upon a December” from the 1997 film Anastasia arranged by Audrey Snyder followed by the song “All of Me” arranged by Mac Huff featuring solos by Gracey Carico and Anthony Cicero. The students then performed “You Will Be Found” arranged by Audrey Snyder with Miranda Breckenridge performing a solo and the evening was completed with popular song “See You Again” arranged by Roger Emerson. Throughout the choir performances, the students were accompanied by Anne Johnson on piano.
All of the I-35 music students performed wonderfully and it was great to see the growth and improvement they have all made. It was amazing to see the support shown to these students by everyone in attendance, especially by their classmates who cheered and clapped the loudest after every piece. The students were lucky enough to have a full house to perform for and look forward to the continued support of the I-35 community. On Tuesday, March 21, there will be a free will donation Breakfast for Supper fundraiser at the Gary Allen Memorial Park Building from 5:30 to 8:00 pm. The proceeds of this fundraiser will go towards the purchase of new marching band uniforms.
